Integrated equalization valve

ABSTRACT

Example aspects of an equalization valve are disclosed. The equalization valve can comprise a gate defining a first face, a second face, and a sidewall extending between the first face and second face, the gate further defining an equalization chamber extending into the sidewall, a first equalization channel extending from the first face to the equalization chamber, and a second equalization channel extending from the second face to the equalization chamber; and an actuation stem defining a lower portion slidably engaged with the equalization chamber, the actuation stem movable between a first position, wherein the actuation stem blocks the first equalization channel to prevent the flow of one of gas and fluid through the equalization valve, and a second position, wherein the actuation stem unblocks the first equalization channel to allow the flow of the one of gas and fluid through the equalization valve.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to piping systems. More specifically, thisdisclosure relates to an equalization valve that is integrated with aflow valve.

BACKGROUND

Flow valves, such as gate valves, are utilized in piping systems toselectively allow or prohibit gas or fluid to flow through the flowvalve. When a large pressure differential is present across the flowvalve, it can be difficult to open and close the flow and damage mayoccur to the flow valve during operation. An equalization valve may beprovided to assist in equalizing the pressure across the flow valveprior to operation of the flow valve. Typically, the equalization valveis oriented outside of the flow valve, and the external orientation canleave the equalization valve vulnerable to damage during transportationand/or operation. Furthermore, the equalization valve is typicallyoperated separately from the flow valve, which can be time-consuming andadds extra steps to the overall operation of the flow valve.

SUMMARY

It is to be understood that this summary is not an extensive overview ofthe disclosure. This summary is exemplary and not restrictive, and it isintended neither to identify key or critical elements of the disclosurenor delineate the scope thereof. The sole purpose of this summary is toexplain and exemplify certain concepts of the disclosure as anintroduction to the following complete and extensive detaileddescription.

Disclosed is an equalization valve comprising a gate defining a firstface, a second face, and a sidewall extending between the first face andsecond face, the gate further defining an equalization chamber extendinginto the sidewall, a first equalization channel extending from the firstface to the equalization chamber, and a second equalization channelextending from the second face to the equalization chamber; and anactuation stem defining a lower portion slidably engaged with theequalization chamber, the actuation stem movable between a firstposition, wherein the actuation stem blocks the first equalizationchannel to prevent the flow of one of gas and fluid through theequalization valve, and a second position, wherein the actuation stemunblocks the first equalization channel to allow the flow of the one ofgas and fluid through the equalization valve.

Also disclosed is a valve assembly comprising a valve body defining avalve channel and a gate slot; a gate slidably received within the gateslot, the gate defining an equalization pathway, the gate movablebetween a lowered orientation, wherein the gate blocks the valve channelto prevent the flow of one of gas and fluid through the valve channel,and a raised orientation, wherein the gate unblocks the valve channel toallow the one of gas and fluid to flow through the valve channel; and anactuation stem engaging the gate and moveable between a first position,wherein the actuation stem blocks the equalization pathway to preventthe flow of the one of gas and fluid therethrough, and a secondposition, wherein the actuation stem unblocks the equalization pathwayto allow the flow of the one of gas and fluid therethrough; wherein thegate is in the lowered orientation when the actuation stem is in thefirst and second positions, and wherein the actuation stem is furthermovable to a third position, wherein the gate is in the raisedorientation.

Also disclosed is a method of operating a valve assembly, the methodcomprising providing the valve assembly comprising a valve body, a gate,and an actuation stem coupled to the gate, the valve body defining avalve channel and a gate slot, the gate defining an equalizationpathway; moving the actuation stem from a first position to a secondposition within an equalization chamber of the gate, wherein, in thefirst position, the equalization pathway is blocked by the actuationstem, and in the second position, the equalization pathway is unblocked;and moving the actuation stem from the second position to a thirdposition relative to the valve body, wherein, in the second position,the gate is in a lowered orientation within the gate slot and the valvechannel is blocked by the gate, and in the third position, the gate isin a raised orientation within the gate slot and the valve channel isunblocked.

Various implementations described in the present disclosure may includeadditional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which may notnecessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detaileddescription and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all suchsystems, methods, features, and advantages be included within thepresent disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and components of the following figures are illustrated toemphasize the general principles of the present disclosure.Corresponding features and components throughout the figures may bedesignated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistencyand clarity.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a valve assembly assembled with a pipingsystem, in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the valve assembly of FIG. 1, the valveassembly comprising a gate valve and an equalization valve, wherein thegate valve is in a closed configuration.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly of FIG. 1 takenalong line 3-3 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a sliding gate of the valveassembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the sliding gate of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a close up view of an actuation stem of the valve assembly ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the actuation stem of FIG. 6 coupledto the sliding gate of FIG. 4, taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a close-up view of the equalization valve of FIG. 2 is in aclosed orientation.

FIG. 9 is a close-up view of the equalization valve of FIG. 2 is in anopen orientation.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the valve assembly of FIG. 1, whereinthe gate valve 110 is in an open configuration.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly of FIG. 1 takenalong line 11-11 in FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference tothe following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, andthe previous and following description. However, before the presentdevices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is tobe understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specificdevices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified,and, as such, can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that theterminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularaspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of thepresent devices, systems, and/or methods in its best, currently knownaspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognizeand appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects ofthe present devices, systems, and/or methods described herein, whilestill obtaining the beneficial results of the present disclosure. Itwill also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the presentdisclosure can be obtained by selecting some of the features of thepresent disclosure without utilizing other features. Accordingly, thosewho work in the art will recognize that many modifications andadaptations to the present disclosure are possible and can even bedesirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the presentdisclosure. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrativeof the principles of the present disclosure and not in limitationthereof.

As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” includeplural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus,for example, reference to “an element” can include two or more suchelements unless the context indicates otherwise.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value,and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range isexpressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/orto the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed asapproximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understoodthat the particular value forms another aspect. It will be furtherunderstood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant bothin relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the otherendpoint.

For purposes of the current disclosure, a material property or dimensionmeasuring about X or substantially X on a particular measurement scalemeasures within a range between X plus an industry-standard uppertolerance for the specified measurement and X minus an industry-standardlower tolerance for the specified measurement. Because tolerances canvary between different materials, processes and between differentmodels, the tolerance for a particular measurement of a particularcomponent can fall within a range of tolerances.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that thesubsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, andthat the description includes instances where said event or circumstanceoccurs and instances where it does not.

The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular listand also includes any combination of members of that list. Further, oneshould note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,”“could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, orotherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intendedto convey that certain aspects include, while other aspects do notinclude, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditionallanguage is not generally intended to imply that features, elementsand/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular aspectsor that one or more particular aspects necessarily include logic fordeciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether thesefeatures, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed inany particular aspect.

Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosedmethods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein,and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions,groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specificreference of each various individual and collective combinations andpermutations of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each isspecifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods andsystems. This applies to all aspects of this application including, butnot limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a varietyof additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each ofthese additional steps can be performed with any specific aspect orcombination of aspects of the disclosed methods.

Disclosed is a valve assembly and associated methods, systems, devices,and various apparatus. Example aspects of the valve assembly cancomprise an equalization valve integrated with a flow valve. In someaspects, the flow valve can be a gate valve. It would be understood byone of skill in the art that the valve assembly is described in but afew exemplary embodiments among many. No particular terminology ordescription should be considered limiting on the disclosure or the scopeof any claims issuing therefrom.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a valve assembly 100, accordingto the present disclosure. Example aspects of the valve assembly 100 cancomprise a flow valve 105, such as a gate valve 110, as shown. The valveassembly 100 can be attached, connected, or otherwise mounted to apiping system 120. The piping system 120 can be configured to transportgas or liquids therethrough. In example aspects, the valve assembly 100can be positioned between a first piping element 122 and a second pipingelement 126 to selectively allow or prohibit the flow of one of gas andfluid therebetween. For example, in the present aspect, the first pipingelement 122 can be a pipeline 124 and the second piping element 126 canbe a stopping machine 128. The valve assembly 100 can be orientedbetween the pipeline 124 and the stopping machine 128 and canselectively allow or prohibit gas (or fluid in other aspects) to flowfrom the pipeline 124, through the valve assembly 100, and into thestopping machine 128, as will be described in further detail below.

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of the valve assembly 100removed from the piping system 120 (shown in FIG. 1). Example aspects ofthe gate valve 110 can be selectively configured in a closedconfiguration, as shown, wherein the gas can be prevented from flowingthrough the valve assembly 100, and an open configuration, as shown inFIG. 10, wherein the gas can be permitted to flow through the valveassembly 100. Example aspects of the valve assembly 100 can comprise avalve body 200. The valve body 200 can comprise an inlet body 210, anoutlet body 220, and a central body 230 oriented between the inlet andoutlet bodies 210,220. In the present aspect, the inlet body 210, outletbody 220, and central body 230 can be formed separately; however, inother aspects, the inlet body 210, outlet body 220, and central body 230can be monolithically formed (i.e., formed as a single component). Theinlet body 210, outlet body 220, and central body 230 can be coupledtogether by one or more fasteners, such as, for example, adhesives,welding, mechanical fasteners, or any other suitable fastener known inthe art. According to example aspects, the valve body 200 (i.e., theinlet body 210, outlet body 220, and central body 230) can be formedfrom a metal material, such as, for example, steel. In a particularaspect, the valve body 200 can be formed from stainless steel. Otherexample aspects of the valve body 200 can be formed from another metalmaterial, such as, iron, such as cast iron, and more specifically,ductile iron in some aspects, aluminum, or bronze, or any other suitablemetal material or combination of metal materials. Other example aspectsof the valve body 200 can be formed from a non-metal material, such asplastic, composites, or any other suitable non-metal material orcombination of non-metal materials. Still other aspects of the valvebody 200 may comprise a combination of metal and non-metal materials.

According to example aspects, the valve assembly 100 can be mounted tothe piping system 120 by any suitable fastener(s) known in the art,including, adhesives, welding, mechanical fasteners, and the like. Forexample, in the present aspect, the valve assembly 100 can comprise aplurality of mounting bolts 280 for mounting the valve assembly 100 tothe piping system 120. As shown, a plurality of bolt holes 285 can beformed through the valve assembly 100, extending through the inlet body210, central body 230, and outlet body 220. Each of the mounting bolts280 can be received through a corresponding one of the bolt holes 285. Afirst end 282 of each mounting bolt 280 can extend outward from theinlet body 210 and an opposite second end 284 of each mounting bolt 280can extend outward from the outlet body 220. The first end 282 of eachmounting bolt 280 can be configured to engage a corresponding boltrecess formed in the first piping element 122 (shown in FIG. 1), e.g.,the pipeline 124 (shown in FIG. 1), to couple the valve assembly 100 tothe first piping element 122. Similarly, the second end 284 of eachmounting bolt 280 can be configured to engage a corresponding boltrecess formed in the second piping element 126 (shown in FIG. 1), e.g.,the stopping machine 128 (shown in FIG. 1), to couple the valve assembly100 to the second piping element 126. In some aspects, the mountingbolts 280 may further serve to secure the inlet body 210, central body230, and outlet body 220 together.

An inlet passage 315 (shown in FIG. 3) can be formed through the inletbody 210 and an outlet passage 225 can be formed through the outlet body220. Furthermore, a gate slot 335 (shown in FIG. 3) can be formedthrough the central body 230. According to example aspects, the valveassembly 100 can also comprise a sliding gate 250 slidably receivedwithin the gate slot 335 between the inlet body 210 and the outlet body220. In example aspects, the sliding gate 250 can comprise a metalmaterial, such as an aluminum alloy. Other aspects of the sliding gate250 can comprise any other suitable metal or non-metal material,including, but not limited to, steel, iron, bronze, plastic, composites,or any other suitable material or combination of materials. In theclosed configuration, the sliding gate 250 can be positioned in alowered orientation within the gate slot 335, as shown, to prohibit thegas from flowing from the inlet passage 315 to the outlet passage 225(or vice versa). In the open configuration, the sliding gate 250 can bepositioned in a raised orientation within the gate slot 335, as shown inFIG. 10, to allow the gas to flow from the inlet passage 315 to theoutlet passage 225 (or vice versa).

In the present aspect, an actuation stem 270 coupled to the sliding gate250 can be provided for controlling movement of the sliding gate 250between the lowered and raised orientations. Example aspects of theactuation stem 270 can be formed from a metal material, such as, forexample, bronze. In other aspects, the actuation stem 270 can be formedfrom any suitable metal or non-metal material, such as iron, steel,aluminum, plastics, composites, or any suitable combination ofmaterials. An actuator 275 can be coupled to the actuation stem 270, andthe actuator 275 can be configured to actuate the movement of theactuation stem 270 between various positions, as described in furtherdetail below. In the present aspect, the actuator 275 can be a hydraulicactuator 275. In some aspects, such as the present aspect, the actuationstem 270 can undergo substantially linear movement as it is actuatedbetween the various positions, while in other aspects, the actuationstem 270 may undergo rotational movement.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly 100taken along line 1-1 in FIG. 1. According to example aspects, each ofthe inlet body 210, outlet body 220, and central body 230 can define anouter surface 312,322,332 and an inner surface 314,324,334,respectively. The central body 230 can be received between the inletbody 210 and outlet body 220, such that the inner surface 314 of theinlet body 210 can confront the outer surface 334 of the central body230 and the inner surface 324 of the outlet body 220 can confront theinner surface 334 of central body 230, as shown. In some aspects, asshown, a first packing 380 can extend around the gate slot 335 betweenthe central body 230 and inlet body 210 to create an airtight sealbetween the central body 230 and the inlet body 210. Similarly, a secondpacking 382 can extend around the gate slot 335 between the central body230 and in the outlet body 220 to create an airtight seal between thecentral body 230 and the outlet body 220. The first and second packings380,382 can be elongated O-rings in some example aspects, and in otheraspects, the first and second packings 380,382 can be any other suitablepacking known in the art. In the present aspect, the first and secondpackings 380,382 can be received in first and second grooves 384,386formed in the inlet body 210 and outlet body 220, respectively.

According to example aspects, each of the inlet passage 315, outletpassage 225, and gate slot 335 can extend from the outer surface312,322,332 to the inner surface 314,324,334 of the corresponding inletbody 210, outlet body 220, and central body 230, respectively. The outersurface 312 of the inlet body 210 can generally define an inlet end 316of the valve assembly 100, and an inlet opening 318 can be formed at theouter surface 312 of the inlet body 210 to allow access to the inletpassage 315. Similarly, the outer surface 322 of the outlet body 220 cangenerally define an outlet end 326 of the valve assembly 100, and anoutlet opening 328 can be formed at the outer surface 322 of the outletbody 220 to allow access to the outlet passage 225. The inlet passage315, outlet passage 225, and gate slot 335 can together define a valvechannel 305 formed through the valve body 200 through which gas can passwhen the gate valve 110 is in the open configuration. In normaloperation, gas can flow through the valve channel 305 from the inlet end316 to the outlet end 326, though in some instances, gas can also oralternatively flow in the reverse direction. As shown, in the closedconfiguration, the sliding gate 250 can be oriented between the inletpassage 315 and outlet passage 225 and can be configured to seal theinlet and outlet passages 315,225 off from one another, thus prohibitinggas from flowing through the valve channel 305.

In the present aspect, each of the inlet passage 315 and outlet passage225 can define a substantially circular cross-section and can be aboutequal in diameter, as shown. The sliding gate 250 can also define asubstantially circular cross-section, and can define a diameter that canbe larger than the diameter of the inlet and outlet passages 315,225.Thus, in the closed configuration, the sliding gate 250 can completelyblock each of the inlet and outlet passages 315,225 to prohibit gas flowtherebetween. Moreover, in example aspects, the gate slot 335 withinwhich the sliding gate 250 is slidably received can define an elongateshape having a length that can be greater than the diameter of thesliding gate 250. The gate slot 335 can generally define an upper gateslot end 336 and a lower gate slot end 338, relative to the orientationshown. The sliding gate 250 can be selectively moved within the gateslot 335 along the length thereof between the raised orientation (i.e.,moved towards the upper gate slot end 336) and lowered orientation(i.e., moved towards the lower gate slot end 338). As shown, theactuation stem 270 can extend through a central stem channel 340 formedat an upper end 342 of the central body 230. The actuation stem 270 canfurther extend into the gate slot 335 at the upper gate slot end 336thereof and can engage the sliding gate 250 received therein. In thepresent aspect, a lower portion 372 of the actuation stem 270 can extendinto an equalization chamber 350 of the sliding gate 250 and can besecured to the sliding gate 250 by a gate fastener 360. The gatefastener 360 can be a threaded bolt 362 in the present aspect. In otheraspects, the gate fastener 360 can be any other suitable fastener knownin the art, including, but not limited to, a screw, pin, rivet, or thelike.

Example aspects of the sliding gate 250 can be substantiallydisk-shaped. As shown, in example aspects, the sliding gate 250 candefine a substantially circular first face, such as an inlet face 352, asubstantially circular second face, such as an outlet face 354 oppositethe inlet face 352, and a substantially cylindrical gate sidewall 356extending therebetween. The equalization chamber 350 can extend into thegate sidewall 356, such that the equalization chamber 350 is orientedbetween the inlet and outlet faces 352,354. In example aspects, thesliding gate 250 can be configured to seat with the valve body 200 inthe lowered orientation. For example, the gate sidewall 356 can define agate seating surface 358 configured to seat with a slot seating surface339 defined by the gate slot 335 in the lowered orientation. Exampleaspects of the slot seating surface 339 can generally be defined at thelower gate slot end 338 of the gate slot 335. A seal can be formedbetween the gate seating surface 358 and the slot seating surface 339 inthe lowered orientation to prevent gas from passing through the valvechannel 305 from the inlet passage 315 to the outlet passage 225 (orvice versa). Furthermore, according to example aspects, the inlet face352 of the sliding gate 250 can define an annular inlet seating portion555 (shown in FIG. 5) configured to seat with the inner surface 314 ofthe inlet body 210 surrounding the inlet passage 315 when the slidinggate 250 is in the lowered orientation. The annular inlet seatingportion 555 can be defined at or near an outer circumference 556 (shownin FIG. 5) of the inlet face 352. Similarly, the outlet face 354 of thesliding gate 250 can define an annular outlet seating portion 455 (shownin FIG. 4) configured to seat with the inner surface 324 of the outletbody 220 surrounding the outlet passage 225 in the lowered orientation.The annular outlet seating portion 455 can be defined at or near anouter circumference 456 (shown in FIG. 4) of the outlet face 354.

In some aspects, one or both of the outlet body 220 and inlet body 210can comprise an annular gate packing 390 received in a correspondingannular gate packing groove 392. For example, in the present aspect, theoutlet body 220 can define the gate packing groove 392 formed in theinner surface 324 thereof and extending around the outlet passage 225.In the present aspect, the gate packing 390 can be an O-ring, and inother aspects, the gate packing 390 can be any other suitable packingknown in the art. The gate packing 390 can be received in the gatepacking groove 392 and can be sandwiched between the inlet body 210 andthe outlet seating portion 455 of the sliding gate 250 to create anairtight seal between the sliding gate 250 and the outlet body 220. Theengagement of the inlet and outlet seating portions 555,455 of thesliding gate 250 with the inlet and outlet bodies 210,220, respectively,as well as the gate packing 390 received between the sliding gate 250and the outlet body 220, can further prevent gas from passing throughthe valve channel 305. In other aspects, the gate packing groove(s) 392may be formed in the inlet and/or outlet seating portions 555,455 of thesliding gate 250. Still other aspects may not comprise the gatepacking(s) 390 and corresponding gate packing groove(s) 392, or maycomprise additional gate packings 390 and gate packing grooves 392.

According to example aspects, the valve assembly 100 can comprise anequalization valve 300 integrated with the gate valve 110. In thepresent aspect, the equalization valve 300 can be formed with thesliding gate 250 and the actuation stem 270, and can be configured toequalize the pressure at the outlet end 326 and inlet end 316 of thevalve assembly 100 prior to opening the gate valve 110. When a largepressure differential is present across the valve assembly 100, it canbe difficult to open the gate valve 110 and/or damage may occur to thevalve assembly 100 during operation of the gate valve 110. Thus, it canbe desired to equalize the pressure across the valve assembly 100 tominimize or prevent such difficulty and/or damage. As shown, the slidinggate 250 can define a first equalization channel, such as an inletequalization channel 302, and a second equalization channel, such as anoutlet equalization channel 304, each of which can be in fluidcommunication with the equalization chamber 350. As such, theequalization chamber 350 and the inlet and outlet equalization channels302,304 can define an equalization pathway 355 of the equalization valve300 through the sliding gate 250.

The equalization valve 300 can be configured to selectively allow orprohibit a small amount of gas to flow through the sliding gate 250 byway of the equalization pathway 355. Example aspects of the actuationstem 270 can be moved between a first position and a second positionwithin the equalization chamber 350. In the first position, as shown,the actuation stem 270 can be configured to block the equalizationpathway 355, and in the second position, as shown in FIG. 9, theactuation stem 270 can unblock the equalization pathway 355. Morespecifically, in the present aspect, the actuation stem 270 can beconfigured to block the inlet equalization channel 302 in the firstposition to prevent gas from flowing therethrough, and the actuationstem 270 can unblock the inlet equalization channel 302 in the secondposition to allow gas to flow therethrough. In aspects wherein thepressure at the inlet passage 315 is greater than the pressure at theoutlet passage 225, gas from the inlet passage 315 can flow into theinlet equalization channel 302, through the equalization chamber 350,and out of the outlet equalization channel 304 into the outlet passage225. Thus, the pressure at the inlet passage 315 can be reduced and thepressure at the outlet passage 225 can be increased to equalize thepressure therebetween. Similarly, in aspects wherein the pressure at theoutlet passage 225 is greater than the pressure at the inlet passage315, gas from the outlet passage 225 can flow into the outletequalization channel 304, through the equalization chamber 350, and outof the inlet equalization channel 302 into the inlet passage 315. Thus,the pressure at the outlet passage 225 can be reduced and the pressureat the inlet passage 315 can be increased to equalize the pressuretherebetween. In some aspects, the equalization valve 300 can fullyequalize the pressure across the valve assembly 100, while in otheraspects, the equalization valve 300 may allow the pressure across thevalve assembly 100 to become more equal, but not fully equal, prior toopening the gate valve 110.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate rear and front perspective views, respectively,of the actuation stem 270 engaged with the sliding gate 250. Exampleaspects of the sliding gate 250 can define the outlet face 354, theopposite inlet face 352 (shown in FIG. 5), and the gate sidewall 356extending therebetween. The outlet seating portion 455 of the outletface 354 can be defined at or near the outer circumference 456 of theoutlet face 354, proximate to the gate sidewall 356, and the inletseating portion 555 (shown in FIG. 5) can be defined at or near theouter circumference 556 (shown in FIG. 5) of the inlet face 352,proximate to the gate sidewall 356. According to example aspects, thesliding gate 250 can define the outlet equalization channel 304extending from the outlet face 354 to the equalization chamber 350(shown in FIG. 3). Referring to FIG. 5, the sliding gate 250 can alsodefine the inlet equalization channel 302 extending from the inlet face352 to the equalization chamber 350. In the present aspect, the inletequalization channel 302 can be oriented at a higher elevation than theoutlet equalization channel 304 (shown in FIG. 4), relative to theorientation shown. Furthermore, as shown, the gate fastener 360 can beprovided for securing the actuation stem 270 to the sliding gate 250within the equalization chamber 350. In example aspects, the gatefastener 360 can extend into the sliding gate 250 at the inlet face 352and can be positioned above the inlet equalization channel 302, relativeto the orientation shown. Example aspects of the gate fastener 360 canbe fixedly coupled to the sliding gate 250, but the actuation stem 270can be configured to slide relative to the gate fastener 360 and slidinggate 250 within the equalization chamber 350, as described in furtherdetail below.

FIG. 6 illustrates the lower portion 372 of the actuation stem 270configured to be received within the equalization chamber 350 (shown inFIG. 3) of the sliding gate 250 (shown in FIG. 2). According to exampleaspects, as shown, the actuation stem 270 can define an elongatedfastener slot 670 formed therethrough, proximate to a distal end 675 ofthe actuation stem 270. The elongated fastener slot 670 can generallydefine an upper fastener slot end 672 and a lower fastener slot end 674.Example aspects of the gate fastener 360 (e.g., the threaded bolt 362)can define a head 662 and a threaded tail 664, and the threaded tail 664can extend through the fastener slot 670. The actuation stem 270 canslide up and down with respect to the gate fastener 360, relative to theorientation shown, while the gate fastener 360 remains engaged throughthe fastener slot 670, and thus, the actuation stem 270 can slide up anddown with respect to the sliding gate 250. In example aspects, the gatefastener 360 can limit the movement of the actuation stem 270 relativethereto by engaging the upper fastener slot end 672 or lower fastenerslot end 674 of the fastener slot 670. Thus, the movement of theactuation stem 270 relative to the gate fastener 360, and thus relativeto the sliding gate 250, can be limited by a length of the fastener slot670.

Example aspects of the actuation stem 270 can further define an annularstem groove 676 formed adjacent to the distal end 675 thereof. In thepresent aspect, as shown, the annular stem groove 676 can be definedbetween the distal end 675 and the fastener slot 670. According toexample aspects, an annular stem packing 678 can be received in theannular stem groove 676. The stem packing 678 can be, for example, anO-ring, as shown. In other aspects, any other suitable type of packingcan be received in the annular stem groove 676. The stem packing 678 canengage a chamber wall 750 (shown in FIG. 7) of the equalization chamber350 to create an airtight seal between the actuation stem 270 and thechamber wall 750, preventing the flow of gas past the distal end 675 ofthe actuation stem 270. In other aspects, the stem groove 676 may beformed in the chamber wall 750.

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lower portion 372 ofactuation stem 270 engaged with the equalization chamber 350 of thesliding gate 250, wherein the actuation stem 270 is in the firstposition relative to the sliding gate 250. In the first position, asshown, the actuation stem 270 can be lowered within the equalizationchamber 350, such that the gate fastener 360 can be oriented proximateto the upper fastener slot end 672 of the fastener slot 670. Clearancecan be provided between the gate fastener 360 and the lower fastenerslot end 674 of the fastener slot 670, such that the actuation stem 270can slide upward within the equalization chamber 350, relative to theorientation shown, to the second position (shown in FIG. 9). As shown,the stem packing 678 can be sandwiched between the annular stem groove676 of the actuation stem 270 and the chamber wall 750 of theequalization chamber 350 to create an airtight seal therebetween. Assuch, gas received in the equalization chamber 350 can be prohibitedfrom passing around the stem packing 678.

FIG. 8 illustrates another cross-sectional view of the actuation stem270 engaged with the equalization chamber 350, wherein the actuationstem 270 is in the first position relative to the sliding gate 250.According to example aspects, the gate fastener 360, e.g., the threadedbolt 362, can define the head 662 and the threaded tail 664. Thethreaded tail 664 can extend through an inlet fastener opening 866extending from the inlet face 352 of the sliding gate 250 to theequalization chamber 350. The threaded tail 664 can further extendacross the equalization chamber 350 and into a fastener recess 868formed in the sliding gate 250 opposite the inlet fastener opening 866.One or both of the inlet fastener opening 866 and the fastener recess868 can be fully or partially threaded and can mate with the threadedtail 664. In some aspects, the head 662 of the gate fastener 360 can benested within the inlet fastener opening 866, such that the gatefastener 360 can be substantially flush with the inlet face 352 of thesliding gate 250, and the head 662 can abut a shoulder 867 of the inletfastener opening 866 to prohibit passage therethrough. In other aspects,the head 662 may not be flush with the inlet face 352. As describedabove, the threaded tail 664 of the gate fastener 360 can extend throughthe fastener slot 670 of the actuation stem 270, thereby securing theactuation stem 270 to the sliding gate 250.

An example aspect of the equalization valve 300 is shown clearly in thisview, which can be configured to selectively allow or prohibit a smallamount of gas to flow through the equalization pathway 355 of thesliding gate 250 in an open orientation and a closed orientation,respectively. According to example aspects, the equalization valve 300can comprise the inlet equalization channel 302, the equalizationchamber 350, and the outlet equalization channel 304. As shown, theinlet equalization channel 302 can extend from the inlet face 352 of thesliding gate 250 to the equalization chamber 350, and the outletequalization channel 304 can extend from the outlet face 354 of thesliding gate 250 to the equalization chamber 350. The inlet equalizationchannel 302 can be in fluid communication with the outlet equalizationchannel 304 when the actuation stem 270 is moved to the second position,as shown and described in further detail below with respect to FIG. 9.According to example aspects, the inlet equalization channel 302 andoutlet equalization channel 304 can substantially parallel to oneanother, but can be vertically offset from one another, relative to theorientation shown. That is to say, in some aspects, the inletequalization channel 302 can be oriented a first height Hi (shown inFIG. 5) along a length L (shown in FIG. 4) of the sliding gate 250, andthe outlet equalization channel 304 can be oriented at a different,second height Hz (shown in FIG. 4) along the length L of the slidinggate 250. For example, in the present aspect, the inlet equalizationchannel 302 can be oriented above the outlet equalization channel 304(i.e., at a greater height), relative to the orientation shown, and assuch, Hi can be greater than Hz. In other aspects, however, the outletequalization channel 304 may be oriented above the inlet equalizationchannel 302.

As shown, with the actuation stem 270 in the first position (e.g.,lowered within the equalization chamber 350), a portion of the actuationstem 270 can block the inlet equalization channel 302 of theequalization pathway 355, preventing gas from passing into (or out of)the equalization chamber 350 through the inlet equalization channel 302.Thus, the equalization valve 300 can be in the closed orientation whenthe actuation stem 270 is in the first position and is preventing gasfrom passing through the inlet equalization channel 302. In exampleaspects, the portion of the actuation stem 270 blocking the inletequalization channel 302 can be oriented between the fastener slot 670and the annular stem groove 676. As such, in the first position, thestem packing 678 received in the annular stem groove 676 can be orientedbetween the inlet equalization channel 302 and the outlet equalizationchannel 304 to further prohibit any gas from leaking from the inletequalization channel 302 into the equalization chamber 350 and outthrough the outlet equalization channel 304.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the actuation stem 270 inthe second position relative to the sliding gate 250. The actuation stem270 can be actuated by the actuator 275 (shown in FIG. 2) to raise theactuation stem 270 (e.g., slide the actuation stem 270 upward, relativeto the orientation shown) within the equalization chamber 350. As theactuation stem 270 is moved to the second position, the fastener slot670 formed through the actuation stem 270 can be slid upward, drawingthe lower fastener slot end 674 of the fastener slot 670 toward the gatefastener 360, which can be fixedly coupled to the sliding gate 250.Thus, the gate fastener 360 can be oriented proximate to the lowerfastener slot end 674 in the second position. The distal end 675 of theactuation stem 270 can slide past the inlet equalization channel 302 tounblock the inlet equalization channel 302 of the equalization pathway355, allowing gas to flow through the equalization valve 300. Thus, theequalization valve 300 can be in the open orientation when the actuationstem 270 is moved to the second position. In aspects wherein thepressure at the inlet passage 315 is greater than the pressure at theoutlet passage 225, gas from the inlet passage 315 can flow through theinlet equalization channel 302 and into the equalization chamber 350.The gas in the equalization chamber 350 can then flow out through theoutlet equalization channel 304 into the outlet passage 225, allowingthe pressure at the inlet passage 315 and outlet passage 225 to equalizeor become more equal. In aspects wherein the pressure at the outletpassage 225 is greater the pressure at the inlet passage 315, the gascan flow in the reverse direction through the equalization valve 300from the outlet passage 225 to the inlet passage 315.

The equalization valve 300 is illustrated in the fully open orientationin FIG. 9, wherein the inlet equalization channel 302 can be fullyunblocked to allow for a maximum rate of gas flow through theequalization valve 300. According to example aspects, the equalizationvalve 300 can also be oriented in a partially open orientation. Forexample, in some aspects, the distal end 675 of the actuation stem 270may not be slid fully past the inlet equalization channel 302, such thatthe inlet equalization channel 302 can remain partially blocked by theactuation stem 270. With the inlet equalization channel 302 partiallyblocked by the actuation stem 270, the rate of gas flow through theequalization valve 300 can be reduced when compared to the maximum rateof gas flow therethrough when the inlet equalization channel 302 isfully unblocked. Thus, the rate of the gas flow through the equalizationvalve 300 can be selectively adjusted based on the orientation of theactuation stem 270 relative to the inlet equalization channel 302.According to example aspects, to close the equalization valve 300, theactuation stem 270 can be lowered within the equalization chamber 350(e.g., slid downward, relative to the orientation shown), sliding thedistal end 675 of the actuation stem 270 back past the inletequalization channel 302 to fully block the inlet equalization channel302 with the actuation stem 270, preventing gas from flowingtherethrough.

In example aspects, the actuation stem 270 can be raised within theequalization chamber 350 until the lower fastener slot end 674 of thefastener slot 670 engages the gate fastener 360. The engagement of thelower fastener slot end 674 with the gate fastener 360 can prohibitfurther withdrawal of the actuation stem 270 from the equalizationchamber 350. As the actuation stem 270 is raised further relative to thevalve body 200 (i.e., to a third position), the lower fastener slot end674 can apply an upward force to the gate fastener 360, which can befixedly coupled to the sliding gate 250. Thus, once the lower fastenerslot end 674 engages the gate fastener 360, the sliding gate 250 can beraised along with the actuation stem 270 within the gate slot 335 of thevalve body 200 from the lowered orientation to the raised orientation.

FIG. 10 illustrates the actuation stem 270 oriented in a third positionrelative to the valve body 200 and the sliding gate 250 oriented in theraised orientation. As described above, in the lowered orientation, thesliding gate 250 can seat with the valve body 200 to seal the inletpassage 315 off from the outlet passage 225, thus preventing the flow ofgas through the valve channel 305 and configuring the gate valve 110 inthe closed configuration. To move the sliding gate 250 to the raisedorientation, the actuation stem 270 can be moved from the secondposition to the third position, as shown. As the actuation stem 270moves to the third position, the lower fastener slot end 674 (shown inFIG. 11) of the actuation stem 270 can push against the gate fastener360 (shown in FIG. 11) to force the sliding gate 250 upward, relative tothe orientation shown, within the gate slot 335 (shown in FIG. 11)towards the upper gate slot end 336 (shown in FIG. 11). The sliding gate250 can be unseated from the valve body 200 and can be lifted out of thevalve channel 305, allowing gas to flow therethrough from the inletpassage 315 to the outlet passage 225, or vice versa, thus configuringthe gate valve 110 in the open configuration. According to exampleaspects, in the raised orientation, the sliding gate 250 can bepartially raised out of the valve channel 305, as shown, or can be fullyraised out of the valve channel 305. With the sliding gate 250 stillpartially received in the valve channel 305, the rate of gas flowthrough the valve channel 305 can be reduced when compared to the rateof gas flow therethrough when the sliding gate 250 is fully raised.Thus, the rate of gas flow through the valve channel 305 can beselectively adjusted based on the extent to which the sliding gate 250is raised out of the valve channel 305.

FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the sliding gate 250 inthe raised orientation and the gate valve 110 in the open configuration.As shown, in the open configuration, the sliding gate 250 can be drawnupward within the gate slot 335, away from the lower gate slot end 338and towards the upper gate slot end 336. As the sliding gate 250 movestowards the upper gate slot end 336, the sliding gate 250 can bepartially or fully raised out of the valve channel 305, to unblock thevalve channel 305 and to allow gas to flow through the valve channel 305from the inlet passage 315 to the outlet passage 225, or vice versa. Inthe present aspect, to return the gate valve 110 to the closedconfiguration, the equalization valve 300 can first be closed. As shown,the actuation stem 270 can be lowered within the equalization chamber350 until the gate fastener 360 abuts the upper fastener slot end 672thereof, preventing the actuation stem 270 from advancing further intothe equalization chamber 350. When the actuation stem 270 is lowered inthe equalization chamber 350, the actuation stem 270 can block the inletequalization channel 302, thus preventing gas from flowing through theequalization valve 300. As the actuation stem 270 is lowered furtherwith respect the valve body 200, the upper fastener slot end 672 of theactuation stem 270 can apply a downward force to the gate fastener 360,which can be fixedly coupled to the sliding gate 250. Thus, once theupper fastener slot end 672 engages the gate fastener 360, the slidinggate 250 can be lowered along with the actuation stem 270 within thegate slot 335 of the valve body 200 from the raised orientation to thelowered orientation, thereby returning the gate valve 110 to the closedconfiguration.

As such, a method of operating the valve assembly 100 can compriseproviding the valve assembly 100 comprising the valve body 200, the gate250, and the actuation stem 270 coupled to the gate 250, wherein thevalve body 200 can define the valve channel 305 and the gate slot 335,and the gate 250 can define the equalization pathway 355. The method canfurther comprise moving the actuation stem 270 from the first positionto the second position within the equalization chamber 350 of the gate250, wherein, in the first position, the equalization pathway 355 can beblocked by the actuation stem 270, and in the second position, theequalization pathway 355 can be unblocked. Example aspects of the methodcan further comprise moving the actuation stem 270 from the secondposition to a third position relative to the valve body 200, wherein, inthe second position, the gate 250 is in a lowered orientation within thegate slot 335 and the valve channel 305 is blocked by the gate 250, andin the third position, the gate 250 is in a raised orientation withinthe gate slot 335 and the valve channel 305 is unblocked.

One should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,”“could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, orotherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intendedto convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments donot include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, suchconditional language is not generally intended to imply that features,elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particularembodiments or that one or more particular embodiments necessarilyinclude logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting,whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to beperformed in any particular embodiment.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merelypossible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clearunderstanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Any processdescriptions or blocks in flow diagrams should be understood asrepresenting modules, segments, or portions of code which include one ormore executable instructions for implementing specific logical functionsor steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included inwhich functions may not be included or executed at all, may be executedout of order from that shown or discussed, including substantiallyconcurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionalityinvolved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the artof the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be madeto the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantiallyfrom the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. Further, thescope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any and allcombinations and sub-combinations of all elements, features, and aspectsdiscussed above. All such modifications and variations are intended tobe included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and allpossible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements orsteps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure.

That which is claimed is:
 1. An equalization valve comprising: a gatedefining a first face, a second face, and a sidewall extending betweenthe first face and second face, the gate further defining anequalization chamber extending into the sidewall, a first equalizationchannel extending from the first face to the equalization chamber, and asecond equalization channel extending from the second face to theequalization chamber; an actuation stem defining a lower portionslidably engaged with the equalization chamber, the actuation stemmovable between a first position, wherein the actuation stem blocks thefirst equalization channel to prevent the flow of one of gas and fluidthrough the equalization valve, and a second position, wherein theactuation stem unblocks the first equalization channel to allow the flowof the one of gas and fluid through the equalization valve, wherein afastener slot extends through the lower portion of the actuation stem;and a gate fastener coupled to the gate, the gate fastener extendingtransversely through the equalization chamber of the gate and throughthe fastener slot.
 2. The equalization valve of claim 1, wherein thefirst equalization channel is oriented at a first height along a lengthof the gate and the second equalization channel is oriented at a secondheight along the length of the gate, the second height different fromthe first height.
 3. The equalization valve of claim 1, wherein: theactuation stem defines an annular stem groove adjacent to a distal endof the actuation stem; an annular stem packing is received in theannular stem groove; and the stem packing engages a chamber wall of theequalization chamber to create an airtight seal between the actuationstem and the chamber wall.
 4. The equalization valve of claim 1, furthercomprising an actuator configured to move the actuation stem between thefirst and second positions.
 5. The equalization valve of claim 1,wherein the fastener slot defines an upper fastener slot end and a lowerfastener slot end.
 6. The equalization valve of claim 5, wherein theactuation stem is movable relative to the gate fastener, the gatefastener oriented proximate to the upper fastener slot end in the firstposition and oriented proximate to the lower fastener slot end in thesecond position.
 7. The equalization valve of claim 5, wherein the gatedefines a fastener opening extending from one of the first face andsecond face to the equalization chamber, and wherein the gate fastenerextends through the fastener opening, across the equalization chamber,and into a fastener recess formed in the gate.
 8. The equalization valveof claim 7, wherein the gate fastener defines a head and a threadedtail, the head abutting a shoulder of the fastener opening, the threadedtail extending through the fastener opening and equalization chamber andinto the fastener recess.
 9. A valve assembly comprising: a valve bodydefining a valve channel and a gate slot; a gate slidably receivedwithin the gate slot, the gate defining an equalization chamber, theequalization chamber at least partially defining an equalizationpathway, the gate movable between a lowered orientation, wherein thegate blocks the valve channel to prevent the flow of one of gas andfluid through the valve channel, and a raised orientation, wherein thegate unblocks the valve channel to allow the one of gas and fluid toflow through the valve channel; and an actuation stem engaging theequalization chamber of the gate and moveable within the equalizationchamber between a first position, wherein the actuation stem blocks theequalization pathway to prevent the flow of the one of gas and fluidtherethrough, and a second position, wherein the actuation stem unblocksthe equalization pathway to allow the flow of the one of gas and fluidtherethrough, wherein a fastener slot extends through the actuationstem; and a gate fastener coupled to the gate, the gate fastenerextending transversely through the equalization chamber of the gate andthrough the fastener slot; wherein the gate is in the loweredorientation when the actuation stem is in the first and secondpositions, and wherein the actuation stem is further movable to a thirdposition, wherein the gate is in the raised orientation.
 10. The valveassembly of claim 9, wherein: the valve body comprises an inlet body, anoutlet body, and a central body between the inlet body and the outletbody; the inlet body defines an inlet passage and the outlet bodydefines an outlet passage; the gate slot is defined in the central body;and the gate seals the inlet passage off from the outlet passage in thelowered orientation.
 11. The valve assembly of claim 10, wherein, in thelowered orientation, a gate seating surface of the gate seats with aslot seating surface of the gate slot, an inlet seating portion of thegate seats with the inlet body, and an outlet seating portion of thegate seats with the outlet body.
 12. The valve assembly of claim 9,wherein the equalization pathway comprises a first equalization channel,a second equalization channel, and the equalization chamber between thefirst equalization channel and the second equalization channel.
 13. Thevalve assembly of claim 12, wherein: the gate defines a first face, asecond face, and a gate sidewall extending between the first face andthe second face; the equalization chamber extends into the gatesidewall; the first equalization channel extends from the first face tothe equalization chamber; and the second equalization channel extendsfrom the second face to the equalization chamber.
 14. The valve assemblyof claim 12, wherein a lower portion of the actuation stem extends intothe equalization chamber, the actuation stem blocking the firstequalization channel in the first position and unblocking the firstequalization channel in the second position.
 15. The valve assembly ofclaim 12, wherein: the fastener slot defines an upper fastener slot endand a lower fastener slot end; and the gate fastener is orientedproximate to the upper fastener slot end in the first position andoriented proximate to the lower fastener slot end in the secondposition.
 16. The valve assembly of claim 15, wherein: the gate slotdefines a lower gate slot end and an upper gate slot end; the gate seatswith the lower gate slot end in the lowered orientation; and the lowerfastener slot end of the actuation stem engages and pushes the gatefastener upward to move the gate to the raised orientation.
 17. A methodof operating a valve assembly comprising: providing the valve assemblycomprising a valve body, a gate, and an actuation stem coupled to thegate by a gate fastener, the valve body defining a valve channel and agate slot, the gate defining an equalization pathway, wherein a fastenerslot extends through the actuation stem, and wherein the gate fastenerextends transversely through each of the equalization chamber and thefastener slot; moving the actuation stem from a first position to asecond position within an equalization chamber of the gate, wherein, inthe first position, the equalization pathway is blocked by the actuationstem, and in the second position, the equalization pathway is unblocked;and moving the actuation stem from the second position to a thirdposition relative to the valve body, wherein, in the second position,the gate is in a lowered orientation within the gate slot and the valvechannel is blocked by the gate, and in the third position, the gate isin a raised orientation within the gate slot and the valve channel isunblocked.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein: the fastener slotdefines an upper fastener slot end and a lower fastener slot end; in thefirst position, the gate fastener is oriented proximate to the upperfastener slot end; and moving the actuation stem from the first positionto the second position within the equalization chamber comprises slidingthe fastener slot relative to the gate fastener to reorient the gatefastener proximate to the lower fastener slot end.
 19. The method ofclaim 17, wherein: the gate defines a first face, a second face, and agate sidewall between the first face and second face; the equalizationpathway comprises a first equalization channel, a second equalizationchannel, and the equalization chamber; the first equalization channelextends from the first face to the equalization chamber and the secondequalization channel extends from the second face to the equalizationchamber; the actuation stem blocks the first equalization channel in thefirst position to prevent the flow of one of gas and fluid therethrough;and the actuation stem unblocks the first equalization channel in thesecond position to allow the flow of the one of gas and fluidtherethrough.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein: moving the actuationstem from the second position to the third position relative to thevalve body comprises engaging the gate fastener with a lower fastenerslot end of the fastener slot and pushing the gate fastener upwardwithin the fastener slot.